Nick Foles isn’t playing like himself.Foles threw two interceptions in the first half and Philadelphia‘s starting offense — missing some key players — struggled again while waiting for quarterback Carson Wentz to return and the Eagles were beaten 5-0 on Thursday night by the Cleveland Browns.Foles
Youth Harold Carmichael Jerseys , who replaced an injured Wentz last season and led the Eagles to their first Super Bowl title while becoming a cult hero, continued his ugly preseason. He did complete 13 of 17 passes for 127 yards, but he threw the picks and was sacked three times, stripped for a fumble and downed for a safety.His overall statistics were better than a week ago against New England when he hurt his shoulder, but he made two poor decisions and hasn’t led the Eagles’ first-team offense to a point on 14 drives over three games.“There are times where I’m feeling good, but I’m making some mistakes,” Foles said. “It’s as simple as that.”The Eagles (0-3) committed four turnovers, allowed seven sacks and missed a field goal. With just two weeks left to get ready for their opener against Atlanta, the Super Bowl winners have work to do.At this point, Foles, the unlikely hero from last season
Harold Carmichael Jerseys Stitched , will likely start the season as the Eagles wait for Wentz, who recently began working in 11-on-11 drills, to be cleared following knee surgery.Eagles coach Doug Pederson was upset with his team’s offensive performance, not just Foles.“I don’t want to single out one player, so don’t put this all on Nick,” Pederson said. “I’m disappointed in the offense. It’s not what you want obviously in the third preseason week. We still want to evaluate and make sure we got the right guys in the right spots.”Cleveland had a familiar quarterback scare.Starter Tyrod Taylor injured his left hand in the first quarter, and the sight of him heading to the sideline sent a shiver through fans in FirstEnergy Stadium. Rookie Baker Mayfield replaced him for two series before Taylor returned. Cleveland’s starter finished 11 of 16 for 65 yards.Taylor stayed in the locker room after halftime to receiver treatment. He left the stadium before speaking with reporters.Coach Hue Jackson said X-rays were negative but Taylor will undergo more tests Friday.“I was very concerned, but I wouldn’t have put him back in if I didn’t think he was fine,” Jackson said. “We’ll continue to look at it and see where we are going into next week.”Mayfield, the No. 1 overall pick, played the entire second half and went 8 of 12 for 76 yards and an interception. He was checked for a concussion in the second half.“Not my best game by any means
Youth Jason Kelce Jerseys ,” Mayfield said. “I’m disappointed in myself. I got in there with the first team and I’ve got to get the ball out quickly. Not my best game at all.”The Browns intend for Taylor to start this season while Mayfield develops, with the only thing that might alter the plan being an injury — something Cleveland knows all too well while cycling through 28 starting QBs since 1999.With Foles behind center, the Eagles’ first-team offense, which was missing wide receivers Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor, running backs Jay Ajayi and Darren Sproles and left tackle Jason Peters, hasn’t scored a point in three exhibitions.Foles floated a long pass that safety Briean Boddy-Calhoun easily intercepted . Then, with a chance to finally score, Foles forced a throw into a crowd near the goal line and was picked by linebacker Jamie Collins.“I’m just making mistakes,” Foles said. “For me, it’s just getting back into rhythm — and keep playing ball. We had an opportunity to win and made too many mistakes and that’s on me. If I clean that up, we win this game.”DEFENSE OKPhiladelphia’s defense recorded four sacks and Cleveland’s only scoring drive — before a 54-yard field goal — was for minus-1 yard.The Eagles also stopped the Browns on four plays from the 1.“Our defense played outstanding. They were flying around
Jason Kelce Jerseys Stitched , making plays,” Pederson said. “The goal-line stand was pretty impressive. That’s what your want from your defense.”INJURIESEagles: Starting C Jason Kelce limped off after making a block during the opening series. He did agility and stretching drills under the guidance of the training staff and returned for Philadelphia’s next possession.Browns: First-round pick Denzel Ward will undergo an MRI after suffering a back injury in the first quarter. Ward appeared to get twisted while tackling 250-pound tight end Zach Ertz. Ward, the No. 4 overall pick, was on the field for several minutes before walking off on his own power. … Starting S Damarious Randall did not dress because of a knee injury. He was not on the team’s original “not expected to play” list and Jackson said his knee locked up during pregame warmups. … Rookie WR Antonio Callaway did not dress after missing three practices with a groin injury.NATIONAL ANTHEMEagles starting safety Malcolm Jenkins remained in the tunnel during the national anthem, and defensive end Michael Bennett also was not on the field. Jenkins and Bennett have been among of the league’s most outspoken players during the ongoing controversy over players expressing their political views during “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Jenkins previously stood on the sideline with a raised fist to protest social injustice.WENTZ WATCHWentz worked out on the field hours before kickoff with a group of Eagles receivers. He looked good on his drops while rifling slant routes and quick-hitters.TOUCH DOWNBrowns defensive end Myles Garrett was credited with sacking Foles in the end zone for the game’s first two points.Foles lost his footing while backing up, fell to one knee and was touched by Garrett. Foles completed a pass on the play, but the Browns challenged it and were awarded a safety.GONZOBrowns kicker Zane Gonzalez helped his chances to keep his job with a 54-yard field goal. Gonzalez is competing with Ross Martin.UP NEXTEagles: Host the New York Jets on Aug. 30.Browns: Visit the Detroit Lions on Aug. 30. Closer look at Philadelphia’s roster."The Philadelphia Eagles have made a number of roster changes this offseason. Now let’s take a look at what the team’s 2019 projected depth chart looks like with respect to these additions. We’ve gone over the offense and the defense so far. Now it’s time for special teams. Then I’ll publish my first 53-man roster prediction later today. (Click here to see how things looked like this time last year.)KICKER1 - Jake ElliottThe Eagles decided not to bring in competition for Elliott, which is fine. He’s a good kicker. With that said, it’d still be nice to see the 24-year-old improve on his short game. Elliott ranked 20th in XP% in 2018 and 25th in 2017.PUNTER1 - Cameron JohnstonLast year at this time, there was thought the Eagles should bring in competition for the largely unproven Johnston. It didn’t happen, though
Youth Jalen Mills Jerseys , and it was ultimately the right call. Johnston unquestionably has a strong leg but it would be nice to see him improve his directional punting. LONG SNAPPER1 - Rick Lovato2 - Richard RodgersPFF had Lovato as their eighth best graded long snapper last year. Not sure exactly how they came up with that but there you go. The Eagles retaining Dick Rod as their third tight end also meant they kept their emergency long snapper. KICK RETURNER1 - Corey Clement2 - Boston Scott3 - Wendell Smallwood4 - Shelton GibsonClement led the Eagles in kick returns last season with 13. He averaged 25.6 yards per return, which is a solid mark. Seems like an easy decision to keep him back there for 2019. Scott averaged 24.0 on four returns while filling in for Clement late in 2018 but there’s no guarantee he even makes the roster this year. Smallwood and Gibson could also potentially be on the outs. If they aren’t, they could be called upon as backup kick returners.PUNT RETURNER1 - DeSean Jackson2 - DeAndre Thompkins3 - Greg Ward4 - Donnel PumphreyKind of interested to see what the Eagles do at punt returner. If the Eagles re-sign Darren Sproles, he could resume that role. If not, well, it’s not exactly clear who it’s going to be. Jackson was obviously a huge threat as a punt returner for the Eagles early in his career. Prior to returning five punts in 2018, though, Jackson didn’t handle a single punt return in 2016 and 2017. Point being: it really hasn’t been part of his game in some time. Perhaps the Eagles could look to use the 32-year-old speedster in situations where they need a special teams spark. Thompkins is a long shot to make the roster as a receiver but the Penn State alumnus brings some returning juice to the table. Thompkins returned 66 punts for a quality 10.2 average and two touchdowns in college. Maybe he can sneak on to the roster as a punt return specialist. Ward finished as the AAF’s all-time leader in punt return average at 15.0; he had nine punt returns for 135 yards and one score. I imagine the Eagles will give Pump some punt return looks to see if he can show anything there. RETURN COVERAGELaRoy Reynolds and D.J. Alexander finished second and fourth in Eagles special teams tackles last year, respectively. Both players left in free agency so the Eagles will be counting on some new faces. L.J. Fort and Blake Countess are among offseason acquisitions who could help boost a Philly special teams unit that ranked league average in terms of DVOA last season.HOLDER1 - Cameron JohnstonI can’t recall Johnston screwing up holds in first season on the job. He’ll get even more reps with Lovato this offseason.